HMIS

What you should know about HMIS:

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a data tracking system used by most agencies that work with unhoused individuals. It is used to keep information about the people that we help. Most of this information will be what you provide at intake with housing agencies. This information is collected to:

• Work with other agencies to help you.
  • By sharing information among agencies, the number of times you must tell your story and provide documentation is reduced. It can also be used to keep copies of vital documents for you to have access to later.
• Help us meet our legal obligations and allow us to be paid for our work with you.
  • Most housing agencies operate with grant funding that requires reporting on how many people they assist. Many grants also require service providers to take notes to track your progress as well as document services they provide. This acts as proof of service that can be billed for, such as how many nights a person stays in a shelter.
• Inform grant applications for more funding.
  • With more information, we are able to tell current grantors how we are performing to receive continued funding. We are also able to demonstrate the need for more funding to assist with groups being underserved. The more money we are able to receive, the more services we can provide to the community.
  • Collecting information helps to understand the extent and nature of homelessness locally, regionally, and nationally

FAQ About HMIS

• Who has access to my information?
  • There are strict rules about sharing your information. Sharing information only happens with your approval.
  • Only licensed HMIS participating organizations can view information and only with your consent. HMIS access is limited and requires participating organizations to follow privacy and confidentiality practices to keep your information private.
  • HMIS is a state-wide database, but only limited information necessary to identify a person is visible statewide. With consent, local Ingham County organizations may share more information to help coordinate services and resources for a case. The goal is for organizations to only have access to information they need to provide their services.
  • You can see the release, including a list of information and services providers in Section 3 of the HMIS ROI.

[link to: CRHC MSHMIS Combined ROI_23.11.30.pdf]

• Can I opt out of having my information in HMIS?
  • While there is no opting out of participating in HMIS when working with most the housing agencies because grant funding requires it, you can opt out of the sharing plan (Please see the supplemental document for more information about when it is appropriate to opt out of the sharing plan.)

[link to: MSHMIS_ROI_Supplement.pdf]

• Should I agree to the sharing plan?
  • It most cases, it is helpful to do so. While it is your right to deny the sharing plan, agreeing to it does help speed up the housing process. Agreeing to share the information in the sharing plan can expedite things as service providers don’t have to ask you for the same information or documents you provided to a previous agency.
  • It also allows you to be considered for housing opportunities through our Coordinated Entry process. Coordinated Entry involves case conferencing which requires organizations to be able to know about your situation to determine eligibility for assistance.
• What is a Service Point ID?
  • A Service Point ID aka HMIS ID aka the Homeless ID is a photo ID generated from the HMIS system. It is not mandatory for receiving help or navigating the housing process in Ingham County, but it may be helpful as it helps you access certain resources.
  • For more information, please visit the Service Point ID page [link to the HMIS ID page].

If you want more general information about HMIS systems, you can visit:

• The HUD Exchange https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/hmis/

Service Point Identification Card

A Service Point ID aka HMIS ID aka Homeless ID is a photo ID generated from the HMIS system. Service Point IDs are not a substitute for a State ID nor is it a form of homeless verification. While having a Service Point ID is not mandatory or necessary for navigating the housing process in Ingham County, it may be useful as it helps you access certain resources.

• Service Point IDs ARE NOT:
  • Necessary for accessing housing and services
  • A form of homeless verification
  • A replacement for a state issued identification
• Resources that require or are more streamlined with a Service Point ID:
  • Holy Cross Services meal service and day shelter at New Hope
  • St. Vincent de Paul clothing assistance
  • Secretary of State – State ID fee waiver
  • City of Lansing HRCS Birth Certificate assistance
• If you are unhoused and in need of an HMIS ID you can obtain one from:
  • Advent House Ministries – Available on Saturday and Sunday | Call for availability during weekdays –  517-897-2454
    743 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, MI 48915
    
  • Holy Cross Services – New Hope Community Center 430 N. Larch St., Lansing, MI 48912

[link to: Service Point ID Card Sample]